In this wide-ranging episode, Rich and Kevin take a sharp, unapologetic look at the power—and pitfalls—of protest. From Pepsi's DEI backpedal to the economic ripple effects of modern boycotts, the duo wrestles with whether change can still come from collective action. Through the lens of civil rights history, institutional mistrust, and community responsibility, they challenge listeners to step into leadership without waiting for permission. Candy talk, Kobe tribute fits, and spicy takes on Kroger vs. Whole Foods add levity to a heavy and important conversation.

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📍 00:43 – Welcome to the Jersey Episode
Kobe jerseys, Braves gear, and sports banter set the tone as the hosts ease in before dropping the heavy hitters.

📍 06:48 – Why Kevin Stopped Drinking Pepsi
Pepsi’s quiet retreat from DEI commitments sparks a larger convo about corporate accountability and personal protest.

📍 10:11 – Boycotts That Hurt Black Businesses
They unpack how economic protest can unintentionally harm Black entrepreneurs, especially those in big box retailers like Target.

📍 14:55 – Legacy Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement
Rich and Kevin dive into the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks, and how those protests were structured to succeed—then ask why we haven’t done better since.

📍 27:52 – We Don’t Take Care of Our OGs
From Coretta to Rosa to modern leaders, the hosts call out how civil rights icons were left unsupported—then flip it to ask what younger generations should do differently.

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award

🏆 Kobe Bryant – For setting the standard of leadership without waiting for a handoff. Kobe didn’t wait for permission—he led. A model for all of us to stop waiting and start doing.

In this powerful episode of the Southern Comfort Podcast, Kevin and Rich dive into everything from wedding ring mishaps to launching a game-changing grassroots incubator. They open up about their evolving views on politics, the crisis of Black male college enrollment, the case for investing in trade skills, and what HBCUs must rethink to meet the moment. Plus, they give flowers to a young leader fighting the good fight in Georgia politics. Real talk, critical thinking, and a lot of laughs—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

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📍 04:05 – The Beauty and Challenge of Local Elections
Kevin discusses why local elections matter, how working with grassroots candidates keeps him grounded, and the purity of helping good people step into leadership.

📍 09:46 – Launching GRITS: Grassroots Incubator for the South
Rich reveals the upcoming launch of GRITS, a new organization to train first-time candidates and operatives across the South, focusing on building real political infrastructure.

📍 16:16 – The Decline of Black Male College Enrollment
Kevin and Rich break down the startling drop in Black male college enrollment, the economics behind it, and how culture, incarceration, and affordability all tie into this urgent issue.

📍 31:22 – The Case for Trade Skills and Early Certification
They argue that every high school graduate should leave with a trade skill, highlighting how trades like HVAC can offer faster, debt-free paths to financial security compared to college.

📍 36:59 – HBCUs, Trump, and the Future of Black College Enrollment
The conversation shifts to how political changes, like cuts to DEI initiatives, could impact HBCUs—and whether alumni will step up to support a new generation of students.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Ebenezer Abelarian - For his relentless commitment to public service, leadership within Georgia’s political landscape, and continued mentorship and generosity toward the next generation of changemakers.

Kevin and Rich are back in Atlanta, and this episode kicks off with barbershop banter and ends with a powerful tribute to political courage. The two dive deep into the importance of grooming—physically, professionally, and politically. From hairline disasters and beauty appointments to Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour filibuster, this conversation blends humor, vulnerability, and reverence for Black leadership. It’s a timely reflection on what it means to stand up, stand out, and lead with purpose.

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📍 00:01 – Back in the A, Back in the Chair
Rich shares a barbershop horror story and laments the struggle of finding a solid, consistent cut.

📍 14:25 – The 25-Hour Filibuster
The convo shifts to Cory Booker’s historic floor speech. Rich and Kevin unpack the physical demands, the message behind the moment, and how it flipped the legacy of a tool once used to block civil rights.

📍20:53 – The Spirit of John Lewis
Kevin draws a powerful line between Booker’s stand and the beatings sustained on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They reflect on generational sacrifice and what "getting in good trouble" looks like today.

📍 29:54 – What If I’d Gone with Booker?
Rich recounts the career crossroads where he had to choose between working for Elizabeth Warren or Cory Booker, and how a health crisis made him realize timing is everything.

📍 36:09 – Still Questioning Cory’s Blackness?
The hosts get real about the way Booker’s Blackness has been questioned, despite his consistent, targeted advocacy for Black communities. They argue it’s time to revisit who we label “real.”

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Senator Cory Booker – For turning a historically oppressive tool into a mic-drop moment of resistance. Twenty-five hours of truth, grit, and purpose earned him a permanent seat at the table—and a well-deserved Mamba Mentality Award.